Starting Nursery: Your Most Frequently Asked Questions (And Honest Answers)

YOU ASKED, SO WE ANSWERED!

Choosing the right nursery for your child is one of the most important decisions you'll make – and it can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re returning to work, looking to socialise your child, or simply want the best early education, we know you’ll have lots of questions.

To make things easier, here are the top 10 questions we’re asked most often by families searching for nurseries in Greenwich – with up-to-date answers, including the latest funding information and what makes private nurseries like More2Nurseries a brilliant choice.

1) Can I send my child to nursery for free?

The government refers to it as “free childcare”, but it’s important to understand what that really means in practice.

All 3- and 4-year-olds in England are entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare per week, and some working families from September 2025 may be eligible for up to 30 hours, during term time only (38 weeks per year).

So whilst there is government help for paying for childcare, the government funding does not cover the full cost of delivering high-quality early education and care — especially in private nurseries where we maintain higher staff ratios, offer all-year-round support, and invest in enriching environments .Funding does not also cover the cost of food or other consumables.

That means nurseries often have to subsidise the shortfall. As a result, many settings, including ours, may charge for:

• Additional hours or wraparound care beyond the funded amount,
• Meals, snacks, nappies, or consumables,
• Enrichment activities and learning resources.

At More2Childcare only we have a limited number of completely free places for 3 and 4 year olds accessing the 15 hours (term time either 9-12 or 1-4). As a Community Interest Company we also have a limited number of together for two’s places.

We are fully transparent about this, and we’ll always help you understand how funding works, what’s included, and what additional charges apply – so there are no surprises.

We also handle all funding claims on your behalf and can guide you through other support options, such as Tax-Free Childcare or Universal Credit if eligible.

2) How much do nurseries cost?

Costs vary depending on:

• Your child’s age (younger children usually require a higher staff ratio),
• The number of days they attend,
• Whether you use any funded hours or childcare schemes.

At More2Nurseries, we’re fully transparent with pricing. We’ll work with you to create a childcare package that suits your needs, and help you understand how funding can reduce your costs – including tax-free childcare and Universal Credit childcare support if eligible.

3) What’s the best age to enrol my child in nursery?

There’s no single ‘right’ age – every family is different. Some parents join us when their baby is 3–6 months old, while others wait until their child is 2 or 3.

At More2Childcare and More2Riverside, we welcome children from 3 months to 4 years. We recommend joining our waiting list early, especially if you want specific days.

4) How do I find the best nursery near me?

Here’s a good checklist:

• Search your Local Authority childcare directory,
• Look at Ofsted inspection reports,
• Ask for recommendations,
• Most importantly, book a tour to get a feel for the place.

We believe nursery decisions are best made when you see the setting, meet the staff, and hear about the day-to-day from real parents and carers. Even if you’re looking from afar, we offer virtual tours and online Q&As to help.

5) Do all nurseries have outdoor space?

Not all – but we’re proud to say that both More2Childcare and More2Riverside have fantastic, secure gardens.

• Our Forum site boasts two outdoor play areas, while
• Our Riverside site features one of the largest gardens in East Greenwich.

Outdoor play is essential to children’s development – and we make the most of it, rain or shine!

6) What makes private nurseries better than school nurseries?

We’re glad you asked! While school nurseries may work well for some families, private nurseries offer clear advantages, including:

• Year-round care (school nurseries typically only run term time),
• Longer opening hours (ideal for working parents),
• Smaller group sizes and higher staff-to-child ratios,
• A more flexible and personalised approach.

Plus, our highly trained Early Years staff specialise in under-5s – it’s our passion and our priority.

7) What activities do you offer?

At More2, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and focus on learning through play. Our days are full of:

• Creative arts, role play, and storytelling,
• STEAM-based activities (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Maths),
• Outdoor exploration, cooking, sensory play, and more.

We also plan around your child’s interests and developmental stage – whether they love bugs, books, or building blocks!

8) What’s the settling-in process like?

We offer a gentle and flexible settling-in period, with two free settling sessions. One key person stays close to your child throughout, offering comfort, familiarity, and trust. We keep parents in the loop with regular updates, photos, and honest conversations.

9) How do I know the nursery is safe and secure?

Safety is always our top priority. From strict security procedures and staff safeguarding training to cleaning routines and first aid certifications, we do everything to give you peace of mind.

We’re fully Ofsted registered and regularly reviewed, with policies in place for health, safety, allergies, and emergencies.

10) What’s the next step if I’m interested?

We’d love to meet you!
Get in touch to book a tour, ask more questions, or simply chat about what you’re looking for. You can reach us at:
📧admissions@more2nurseries.com
Or visit the admissions section of our website for more info.